On her next Nickelodeon special, Linda Ellerbee gives kids a short course in hydraulic fracturing, with input from Colorado kids. “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee: What’s the deal with fracking?” premieres Monday, locally 6-6:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon.

“Those in favor of fracking say it’s a safe process that’s bringing jobs and energy independence to America,” says Ellerbee. “Those against it say our air and drinking water are getting contaminated and it just isn’t worth the risk to the environment.”

A couple of Colorado kids sum up the controversy: “It’s just angering to see how we’re destroying the land,” says 13-year-old Kelsey of Firestone.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.